NATIONAL GASOLINE PRICE AVERAGE DIPS BELOW $2.00 PER GALLON FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN 3½ YEARS, ACCORDING TO AAA

NEWS from AAA Oklahoma, Nov. 21 – For the first time since March 8, 2005, the national average price for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline has fallen below $2.00, according to AAA Oklahoma.

AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report (www.aaafuelgaugereport.com) shows regular self-serve gas selling for an average of $1.99 today across the country, a drop of $1.87 since hitting $3.86 on Sept. 17 of this year.

“The primary drivers producing these lower pump prices are reduced demand, good supplies and falling crude oil prices,” said Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. “It’s impossible to know how low the price of gasoline will eventually go, but it’s a good bet that lower fuel prices will be the norm throughout the rest of the year and probably into early 2009.”

Oklahoma’s statewide gas price average is currently $1.78, the second lowest in the nation. Only Missouri’s is cheaper today at $1.69. Thanksgiving travelers should budget more money for fuel if they are venturing out of the state and heading somewhere other than Missouri.

Among Oklahoma’s other neighbors, New Mexico’s state gas price average is $2.16 today, Colorado is at $1.93, Texas $1.86, Arkansas $1.84 and Kansas $1.81. Across the nation, there are 21 states with a gas price average above $2.00 today.

To get an idea of your drive trip fuel expenses, visit www.aaa.com and click on Fuel News & Tools to access AAA’s Fuel Cost Calculator and more tips and information.